Bethune-Cookman University Receives Nursing Grants
The institution secured over $5 million in federal funding to bolster nursing education and student success.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach was awarded $5,169,169 in federal nursing grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration. These funds will support the Wildcat Nursing Student Success Project and Project RISE-RN to address healthcare needs in underserved communities.
Why it matters
This funding supports initiatives to address critical healthcare needs in rural and medically underserved communities. The investment underscores the university's commitment to career development and educational pathways in the nursing field.
The university received $2,190,703 for the Wildcat Nursing Student Success Project and $2,978,466 for Project RISE-RN. The nursing program currently holds a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination.
The players
Bethune-Cookman University
A private historically Black university located in Daytona Beach that currently ranks second among HBCU nursing programs.
Health Resources and Services Administration
The federal agency tasked with improving health care outcomes for people who are geographically isolated or economically vulnerable.
The details
The Wildcat Nursing Student Success Project builds educational pathways from high school to a bachelor's degree in nursing, while Project RISE-RN aids working professionals in career advancement. The state of Florida also contributed $250,000 to assist with a dual enrollment nursing program.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The university announced the receipt of the federal grant awards.
Market Landscape
This influx of federal funding aligns with the ongoing national effort to expand the healthcare workforce through the Health Resources and Services Administration nursing grant program. These resources solidify the institution's competitive standing against peer schools in health education.
Residents in the local community may benefit from improved access to healthcare services as these programs address regional shortages in medically underserved areas. Students and local healthcare professionals gain expanded educational opportunities and clear pathways for career advancement.
The takeaway
Investment in nursing education is essential for filling critical gaps in the modern healthcare workforce. Students seeking to enter the field should look for institutions that prioritize high licensure pass rates and integrated career development programs.
Further reading
For more information on the local healthcare employment sector, visit our Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Black Enterprise.
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Do you believe state and federal grants for specialized nursing programs improve healthcare in your community?
